Originally Posted by
mahasamatman
First off, I doubt #3 or #4 are actual situations (and #1 only if it's a "cheapest fare" requirement). But assuming they are...
- Get a better contract, don't take the trip, or change jobs.
- I'm pretty sure other airlines exist at all (both) US hubs...
- Take the bus - it'll be nicer.
- Get a better contract.
- Fly some other *A airline - you can credit it wherever you want, even to DM.
- Fly some other *A airline - you can redeem on any one.
I'm not a defender of US, and the bus
is better, but...
#4 is plausible, and many travel contracts with individual companies have "preferred carrier" arrangements.
And I can't imagine anyone changing jobs because their employer made them fly US (what would you say when you resigned, "I love working here, but I hate paying $2 for drinks twice a week and that's why I'm quitting"), and employees at large companies don't generally have that much control over corporate contracts (though there may be a lot of leeway in terms of whether to follow them or not).
For people who live in PHX, PHL, or near DCA, the advantage of taking a US nonstop (vs. a connection on another carrier or a nonstop from a different airport) usually far outweighs the inconvenience of US itself. The airline doesn't have a lot of fans, but people regularly choose to fly them for a reason.